Supply chain disruption in the Kenya floriculture industry: A case study of Equator Flowers

Abstract

The floriculture industry is one of the most crucial sectors in Kenya’s economy. It contributes a significant percentage of the Gross National Product (GNP) and employs tens of thousands of workers. The industry has, however, faced a decline over the last five years. This empirical research had the overall objective of investigating the factors contributing to supply chain disruption in the industry and used Equator Flowers Limited in Eldoret, Kenya as a case study. The research applied descriptive survey research design and employed random sampling technique. The data collection was done with the aid of structured and semi-structured questionnaires containing relevant questions on the supply disruption phenomenon. The study found that the most significant amongst the factors contributing to supply chain disruption in the floriculture industry in Kenya are natural disasters, logistics process design, labor union actions and finally production function mechanics. To address supply chain disruptions, the study recommends: implementation of comprehensive business continuity plans to mitigate against the supply chain effects of natural disasters, development of logistical process redundancies, formulation of creative policies to contain labor unions agitations and investment in research to develop resilient and scalable production function mechanics.